Formula films no longer work: Nawazuddin

Nawazuddin Siddiqui proved that all a person needs to become a star is an extraordinary talent of acting.

Struggling for 12 years in Bollywood, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has come to a standstill with once playing supporting role to performing stupendously in lead role. Despite getting accolades at Cannes and other international festivals, Nawaz shares his angst at not getting the same recognition in his own country. He is also starring in three international co-productions.

"I have two awards from New York. When I was at Cannes, the French audience could not identify that the two characters played in Miss Lovely and Gangs of Wasseypur (GoW) were played by me. But I am disappointed that back home I was not even nominated for the best actor award category," Nawaz says. When asked what sort of films is popular with the international audience, he quips, "Formula films no longer work as people are bored with the mindless cliches. What works is good acting, backed by a strong script. Small budget films are flourishing as they are backed by strong concepts that leave food for thought."

Shedding light on the herd mentality in Bollywood wherein people would not even give him a chance as a lead actor, Nawaz says, "GoW broke the mould. After that I got 175 film offers but I am taking my time. I know that 2013 will be better than last year as I have an exciting line-up of seven films to be released this year."

Talking about whether the Nawaz of today is wiser and more confident than the Nawaz of 12 years ago, he laughs and confesses, "I still get as nervous and excited about doing a new role as I would 12 years ago. Like for Mountain Man, which is my most challenging role till date, I had to play a man ageing from 20 to 75 years. So, along with going through the physical changes, feeling the emotional gamut was tough."

And as for the lack of recognition back home, he says, "I know the characters I play onscreen are a hit with the masses. I will keep doing what I do best and I know the rest will be taken care of."